Visitor Guide to the beautiful market town of Bakewell featuring Bakewell attractions , events and accommodation

In 2018 the Bakewell Food Festival will be held in april. There will also be a Bakewell Baking held on
11th - 12th August 2018.

In 2018 , the bakewell show will take a year off to prepare for the 2019 celebrations.

Bakewell is a beautiful, small market town and major tourist attraction, situated on the River Wye in Derbyshire and in the heart of the Peak District. Bakewell attracts many tourists both local and from abroad to the large town centre which is busy all year round with plenty of attractions including gardens, museums,arts and crafts, pubs, coffee shops,
and numerous shops selling books, clothes and gifts. Bakewell is home to one of the country's major agricultural and horticultural events of the year. The Bakewell Show attracts some 65,000 people during the 2 day annual event.

The famous Bakewell pudding was invented accidentally at the Rutland Hotel, when a cook misinterpreted instructions and poured egg mixture over the jam instead of mixing it in the pastry and what should have been a tart was now a pudding. Bakewell puddings can be bought at several shops and coffee houses in the town centre. The Hotel also has a literary connection in that Jane Austin is reputed to have stayed at the hotel whilst writing Pride and Predudice. Bakewell has been identified as Lambton.

Major attractions in Bakewell

Bakewell's All Saints Parish Church

Bakewell's All Saints Parish Church is broad and low and has an octagonal tower with a graceful spire. The bulk of the church as it stands now dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, though there are many fragments of Saxon and Norman Stonework to be found. It was considerably restored in the 19th century, when the nave was rebuilt.

The south transept holds the Vernon Chapel with monuments to Vernon and Manners families, including splendid ones to John Manners and Dorothy Vernon, and Sir George Manners, father of the 8th Earl of Rutland , and his wife Grace. There is also a remarkable monument to Sir Godfrey Foljambe and his wife, in the south aisle, dated about 1377 and set in alabaster with coats of arms above. Outside the church is the remains of a Saxon Cross.

Bakewell was mentioned in the Domeday book as having a church and 2 priests signifying its importance even then. In 1502 Bakewell was owned by the Vernon family and passed on to the Manners family in 1567 when Dorothy Vernon married John Manners. Their son, Sir George Manners married Grace Pierrepont who in 1637 founded the grammer school, Lady Manners School.

The Bridge and the River Wye

Bakewell is crossed by a 13th century 5 arched bridge still open to traffic. The bridge had been widened in the 19th century. The walkaway by the river Wye itself, as it flows through the town centre, is a popular , picturesque destination for visitors who wish sit and watch the world go by or just feed the ducks.

Old House Museum

Lumford Mill was established in 1777 by Sir Richard Arkwright for the purpose of cotton spinning. He also bult new houses and converted a house in Cunningham Place, which sits behind the church and dates from early Tudor times, into 5 dwellings for his mill workers. This house was restored by the Bakewell Historical Society in 1955 and is now known as Old House Museum. The museum houses 14 beamed rooms including a drapers shop, a Victorian kitchen, a wheelwright and a smithy. Other rooms have Ashford Marble, lace, toys, china and photographs. It is open from the 1st of April until the end of October from 1-30pm to 4-oopm ( 11.00am in July and August). Guides are always at hand to answer questions and the museum also organizes talks and visits. Tel 01629 813165 for more information.

Old Market Hall and the Tourist Information Centre

Bakewell tourist information centre is housed in the Old Market Hall. Offers local and national tourist information as well as
local and national accommodation bookings ,
public transport information, timetables and Day Rover tickets. Information and tickets for local events is also available. The centre also houses a photographic gallery. Open daily apart from Christmas Day & Boxing Day. Tel 01629 816558 Email: bakewell@peakdistrict.gov.uk

Bakewell old town hall

Bakewell old town hall built in 1709 is situated in King Street. It is now an antiques shop but between 1826 and 1874 it was occupied by Lady Manners School. In later years it has been used as a fish and game shop and the upper floor was used by the local Working mens club from 1885 until 1964.
Behind the Old Town Hall in Bakewell are the Almshouses of St John's Hospital also dating from 1709.

The Bakewell Show

The Bakewell Show takes place on the first wednesday and thursday of August on land adjoining the Agricultural Centre. The first local show took place in 1819. It is now a major agricultural and horticultural event with all sorts of animals being shown along with show jumping and exhibitions of local crafts and produce. Other attractions include fairground rides, specialist trade stands, bands, centre ring entertainment and a food hall.

Well Dressing and Carnival

Well Dressing takes places in the lasdt week of June and comes to a climax with the town’s annual gala. This starts with a procession of floats and bands through the main streets and culminates with a fete in the Recreation Ground.

The Recreation Ground

The Recreation Ground provides fun and enjoyment for people of all ages. It is set in 5.25 hectares of land, and has great outdoor sporting facilities.
Fringing the town centre, the Recreation Ground is easily accessible from Bakewell's car parks, including the large car park on the other side of the River Wye (footbridge access) at the District Council's Agricultural Business Centre (ABC). The Wye runs alongside the Recreation Ground, making it a beautiful place for a walk.
Facilities include:
Children's play area
2 football pitches - Bakewell Town FC, Red Lion FC, Bakewell Juniors
2 Croquet Lawns - Bakewell Croquet Club
A cricket square - Bakewell Cricket Club
A multi-use games area
Pavilion

Bath Gardens

Bath Gardens are an enclosed area in Bakewell overlooking Rutland Square. A tranquil with some beautiful blooms throughout the year.
In 1697 the Duke of Rutland built the Bath House in Bath Gardens, over the bath, with is fed by warm spa waters, in an attempt to rivel Buxton as a health resort. The pool was later rebuilt and exists in the cellar of Haig house which presently houses the British Legion social club.

River Wye at Bakewell

Bakewell

River Wye at Bakewell

Bakewell

River Wye at Bakewell

Bakewell

Bakewell

River Wye at Bakewell

Bakewell church

Bakewell

Bakewell church

Bakewell

Bakewell Tourist Info Centre

Bakewell Museum

Activities around Bakewell

Plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, climbing, horse riding and golf in the Bakewell area.

In 1826 Bakewell cattle market was moved from the present Rutland Terrace to the market place to enable coaches to pass through the town centre without delay. A new Agricultural Business Centre across the river now incorporates the livestock market but there are still stall markets held here every Monday. Horse sales also use to take place in front of the Castle Hotel but finished at the time of world war 1. A medium sized stall market is held in the town centre.

Lady Manners School Parents Association Car Boot Sales 2018

Have a great day selling or buying and help raise money for our school. All entry fees and profits from refreshments benefit the school.
Gates open at 7.00am for ‘Car Booters’ and close at 1pm. No commercial traders or food sales please.Entry fee is just £7.00 per car.
Sunday 23rd April 2018
Sunday 21st May 2018
Sunday 11th June 2018
Sunday 9th July 2018
Sunday 10th September 2018
Sunday 8th October 2018
Free entry to members of the public. Excellent refreshments available from 7.30am. Come along and try our well-priced, delicious, locally reared bacon cobs, homemade cakes and a range of soft drinks, tea, coffee and hot chocolate.Sorry, no dogs are allowed on the school grounds.

The Castle Inn on Castle Street, previously called the Commercial and Castle, is a 16th century inn by Bakewell's medieval bridge which entertained a regular horse market for over 100 years. It's three garages were formally stables and the present stone flagged floor and wooden beams give the pub a warm and cosy feeling. The Peacock near the Tourist Information Centre was built in the 19th century. The peacock is the family crest of the Manners family ( the Dukes of Rutland) of Haddon Hall. The Red Lion situated in The Square, is thought to originally have been a timber framed 16th century inn.

Villages near Bakewell include the very pretty Ashford-in-the-Water, Over Haddon, Sheldon, Elton, Great Longstone, Monyash , Rowsley, Pilsley and Youlgrave. Bakewell is only a short drive from many interesting county houses including Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall. Bakewell also makes for an ideal base for walking some of the beautiful dales in the area including Mondal Dale and Millers Dale.

Bakewell Tourist Information

How to get to Bakewell

By bus: The Trans Peak bus operates an hourly service to and from Derby, Nottingham, Matlock and Buxton, with a two hourly service to Manchester. The 6.1 service also runs hourly from Derby and Matlock. The 170 service runs hourly to and from Chesterfield, and the 240 and 218 operates to and from Sheffield. Bus times can be found in the Peak District Bus Timetable, published in March and October. It is available from any Tourist Information Centre in the area or you can order the Peak District bus timetable online.. Alternatively, you can use the East Midlands online journey planner or view an interactive map of Peak District bus routes.

By railway: The nearest stations to Bakewell are at Matlock, Chesterfield or Buxton, each having regular, frequent bus services to the town. For information on train times and fares on all these routes, you can call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950, or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk

By road: The best exit points from the motorways are:
From the M1 - exit 29 to A617 westbound and then A619
Northbound on M6 - exit 14 to A34 and then on to the A520
Southbound on M6/M56/M60 - exit 27 on to the M60 and then on to the A6
From the north (Sheffield) take the A621 then A619 into Bakewell
From the south (Derby/Matlock) take the A6 into Bakewell
From the east (M1/Sheffield/Chesterfield) take the A619 into Bakewell
From the west (M6/Buxton) take the A6 into Bakewell

Many nearby villages are worth a trip by bus or car or on foot, and most have a pub or tea shop in particular Ashford in the Water, Over Haddon, Monyash and Youlgreave.
Matlock is only 15 minutes by car, and buses are available.
Matlock Bath is just beyond Matlock and has many popular attractions including the Peak District Mining Museum, Gullivers Kingdom, Heights of Abraham.
Cromford is a mile beyond Matlock Bath and is the setting for Cromford Mill, the first large water-powered cotton spinning mill in the modern world. Also the Cromford Canal is a lovely waterway in a very rural setting.
Haddon Hall is only 5 minutes from Bakewell by car or an hours walk.
Chatsworth House is a little further but still easily accessible from Bakewell.
Near Chatsworth in Pilsley is Chatsworth Farm Shop, popular because of huge range of good fresh fruit, veg and meat. Includes a tea shop.

Cafes

Cafés include
The Bakewell Pudding Parlour,
The Bakewell Tart Shop & Coffee House ,
The Honey Bun Café and
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

Self Catering Holiday Cottages and B&B Guest House Accomodation in and around Bakewell

Barn Cottage, Bakewell - Self Catering - Barn Cottage is a beautiful detached barn conversion that has been awarded a 4 Star rating by the Visit Britain Quality in Tourism. It is full of charm and character and a perfect holiday destination for a discerning couple. Conveniently located in a quite back street close to the facilities of the charming Peak District market town of Bakewell. It is a pleasant five minute level stroll to the centre of town which offers excellent local amenities. It has vaulted ceilings with beams and modern facilites. There is private, off road parking, for one car on the owners courtyard in front of the cottage.
Sleeps 2
Read more at Barn Cottage, Bakewell

Bolehill Farm Holiday Cottages - Self Catering Cottages - This charming collection of eight stone cottages sleeping from 2-5 is situated in a superb rural location in the heart of the Peak District National Park.

Merman Barn is a converted limestone barn on the quiet outskirts of Tideswell, only a short walk from the village centre. There is private parking for up to 6 cars at the rear of the property and a walled garden in which guests can relax.

Merman barn is a high quality B&B where Linda and Andrew offer a warm welcome, good food, 3 en suite comfortable rooms and a guest lounge. There is a quiet area for Internet access, private parking and a walled garden. We welcome walkers and cyclists.

Merman Farm Holiday Cottage - Merman Farm Holiday Cottage is a traditional, stone built former farmhouse situated in a quiet location, a few minutes' walk from the centre of the village of Tideswell, one of the oldest settlements in the central Peak District.
Fully restored by the owner, Merman Farm offers quality accommodation of real character and charm and seamlessly combines many original features with modern design and home comforts. Sleeping up to 11 in 5 bedrooms, 3 ensuite, open fire and pet friendly. Read more at Merman Farm Holiday Cottage